Sixth generation of the iconic Golf is unveiled

Five generations, 34 years and over 26 million vehicles after the original first went on sale, the sixth generation of the Golf has been unveiled. The new Golf is the safest, most technically advanced and dynamic yet. It promises great value and will set benchmarks in quality, style, safety and the reduction of emissions.

Instantly apparent in the sixth generation of Golf is a sharply defined look that draws on the new design direction established by the Scirocco. The clean, elegant design is easily recognisable as a Golf yet remains an all-new shape. The same elements of simplicity and attention to detail are applied to the vehicle’s interior.

Clearly defined white backlit dials sit in recessed, individual cowls behind a three-spoke steering wheel with the option of controls for entertainment and communications functions. High-quality, soft-touch plastics are integrated with tasteful aluminium and chrome highlights. A completely new design of door and window seals, a new damping film that supports the windscreen and a new engine mounting system make this Golf even quieter than its predecessors.

A 2.0-litre TDI 110PS common-rail diesel engine is introduced, which emits just 119 g/km of CO2 while returning 62.7 mpg on the combined cycle. Other diesel variants are available with 90PS, 140PS and 170PS outputs and linked to a choice of six-speed manual or DSG gearboxes. Many of the petrol engines adopt highly efficient TSI technology with outputs of 80PS, 102PS, 122PS and 160PS.

For the first time, Volkswagen’s Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) will be offered on the Golf. This is available on the Passat CC and standard on the new Scirocco, and allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension, steering and accelerator response settings.

Automatic Distance Control is also offered, which monitors the area around the vehicle through a series of sensors, reducing the vehicle’s speed if an obstruction is identified. In extreme cases the system can bring the vehicle to a complete stop.

A knee airbag is introduced for the driver, bringing the total number of airbags fitted as standard to seven. A new head-restraint system, designed to reduce whiplash injuries, and rear seat belt detection sensors are joined by advanced Electronic Stabilisation Programme software.